Focus on Technology: Change Your Router Passwords!

One of the most common services in healthcare is the connection to the internet. With all the focus on security and cyber breaches, one of the most vulnerable pieces on your connection to the internet is what is called the router / gateway. The router / gateway connects your computers and devices to the public internet and in many cases provides the initial security or barrier through the use of a built-in firewall.

The problem is, that while this is the door, the gateway to the internet, it is a two way door. Much like the door on your office or building, if it is not properly secured anyone can walk in. What makes this such an issue is the Internet Service Providers (ISP) that generally setup the router / gateway for your organization. Larger organizations may or may not take care of this themselves, but small and medium organizations rely on the ISP to do the install and setup.

Here comes the major problem!!

The ISP will generally leave the default username and password for the router / gateway. This means that anyone that gets on your network can simply connect to the router and use the commonly known list of default usernames and passwords to quickly access your router and change the settings to allow them to access your network from anywhere and steal data.

How to fix this

You have two options to correct this.

1. Most ISP’s have instructions on how to access and change the router’s username and password. You can login and change it yourself.
2. If you are unsure, contact the ISP and they can walk you through the process.

This is a critical issue that is extremely prevalent in many organizations, not just healthcare.